Given the fact that education is one of the pillars of modern society, it is no surprise that investors would turn their focus towards creating sustainable learning environments for children around the world.

Two American architecture and design firms have been selected to be part of a $32 million project to provide modern and sustainable learning facilities for U.S. military families in Japan. Cincinnati-based KZF Design and Dayton, Ohio-based Woolpert will provide design and construction services for the replacement or renovation of aging schools serving American families based in Japan.

More than 25,000 U.S. military personnel are currently based in Okinawa, according to the East Asia Forum. The need is clear for better learning facilities for American families serving the country overseas.

The contract for the project has been procured by the U.S. Army’s Japan Engineer District, under the 21st Century Education Initiative created by the Department of Defense Education Activities program (DoDEA). According to a news release, the program currently operates 180 schools worldwide and 49 schools in Asia. KZF Design and Woolpert, who have been involved with the DoDEA program since 2004, will redesign aging schools to include open and flexible spaces in tune with today’s architectural trends.

The agreement with the U.S. Army’s Japan Engineer District has a one-year term and can be extended for four additional years.